Telphusa longifasciella
(Clemens, 1863)
Y-backed Telphusa
A small gelechiid with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm, characterized by distinctive forewing patterning including a prominent Y-shaped or oblique ochreous-white fascia. The occurs across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Canada to the southern United States. The 'Y-backed Telphusa' references the characteristic wing markings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Telphusa longifasciella: //tɛlˈfuːsə ˌlɒŋɡɪfæʃiˈɛlə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The combination of small size (18 mm wingspan), dark purple-fuscous forewings with oblique ochreous-white fascia, and iridescent crimson-bronzy band distinguishes this from other Telphusa. The Y-shaped white marking (when combined with streak) gives the . Similar Telphusa species lack this specific configuration of ochreous-white fascia with crimson-bronzy iridescence.
Images
Distribution
Eastern and central North America. United States: Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. Canada: New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec. Vermont also recorded.